Ah, dinner rolls—the unsung heroes of the dinner table. Who doesn’t love tearing into a warm, fluffy roll, watching as steam escapes, and that buttery scent fills the air? It’s like a warm hug for your senses.
I recall last Thanksgiving, my cousin (the one who always burns the turkey) brought these rolls instead. Let me tell you, they stole the show, outshining even my aunt’s famous green bean casserole. These rolls are the epitome of comfort food—soft, pillowy, and just begging to be smothered in butter.
Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a regular Tuesday night, these dinner rolls are a must-have. They’re like little clouds of joy, and trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it.
Steps
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set the dish aside for later use.
- Heat the Liquid Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine water, melted butter, milk, and honey. Microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches 110°F. Alternatively, you can heat it over medium-low in a saucepan.
- Activate the Yeast: Pour the warmed liquid into a large bowl or stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the top, stir gently, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using a dough hook on medium-low speed until the ingredients are combined.
- Knead the Dough: If needed, add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl. Mix on low speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth, then form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise for 15 minutes in a warm place.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 15 equal pieces, and shape each into a ball. Place the balls in the greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the dish with a damp towel and let the dough balls rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Uncover the dish and bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Finish with Butter: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. Serve them warm and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk (can substitute with plant-based milk like oat or almond milk)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (plus additional for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (slightly more than one 0.25-ounce packet)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
FAQ
- Can I make these dinner rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 2 hours before baking.
- What variations can I try with this dinner roll recipe?
- You can customize the rolls by adding ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, or cheese. For example, incorporate garlic powder into the dough or mix herbs or cheese into the dough for enhanced flavor.
- How can I ensure my yeast activates properly?
- Ensure your yeast is not expired and that the liquid ingredients are within the 100-110°F range. This temperature allows the yeast to activate without being killed by excessive heat.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can make these dinner rolls vegan by substituting plant-based milk and butter for the dairy versions and using a sweetener other than honey.
- What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
- If your dough fails to rise, check the expiration date of your yeast and verify the temperature of your liquids. If the yeast hasn’t foamed after 5 minutes in the wet ingredients, start over with fresh yeast.
Tips
- Check Your Yeast: Ensure that your yeast is still active and hasn’t expired. If, after adding it to the wet ingredients, it doesn’t foam up within 5 minutes, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast to ensure your rolls rise properly.
- Monitor Liquid Temperatures: When heating your liquid ingredients, make sure they are between 100-110°F. If too hot, they can kill the yeast, and if too cool, they may not activate the yeast properly. Use a cooking thermometer to verify the temperature.
- Don’t Skimp on Rise Times: Allow the dough to rise for the recommended periods to achieve the desired soft and fluffy texture. Skipping these times may result in denser rolls.
- Embrace Imperfection: When dividing the dough into rolls, don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform in size. They will bake together, and slight size variations won’t affect the final outcome.
Equipment
- Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls:
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment – If you don’t already have one, a stand mixer can make the process easier.
- Cooking Thermometer – Essential for checking the temperature of the liquid ingredients to ensure successful yeast activation.
- 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish – Necessary for baking the rolls as described in the recipe.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – For heating the liquid ingredients if you don’t have one.
- Wire Cooling Rack – Useful for cooling the rolls after baking.
